Ikebana “flowers.” Sculpted Bone Arrangement. Japan, Meiji Period, Late 19th Century

An exceptional decorative composition from the Meiji period, masterfully carved from stone and depicting a traditional Japanese ikebana arrangement. The sculpted group depicts a sumptuous bouquet of blooming chrysanthemums, foliage, and young shoots gathered around a natural tree trunk that forms the central axis of the composition. The artist has rendered with remarkable finesse the contours of the petals, the texture of the bark, the curvature of the branches, and the natural vitality of the plant forms. The contrast between the elegant movement of the flowering branches and the vertical stability of the trunk creates a harmonious balance characteristic of the aesthetic of Japanese decorative arts from the Meiji period. Works of this quality were created by the most skilled bone carvers for a clientele of discerning collectors and were intended for both the domestic market and export. This composition is a remarkable example of late 19th-century Japanese bone carving.

Dimensions: Height 18 cm, width 17 cm, depth 6 cm.

Weight: 467 g.

Condition: Very good condition, showing natural signs of age as well as very slight losses consistent with the age and delicacy of the material.

Provenance: Private collection.

ID-ANTQ-5582